Saturday's National Post

I read several newspapers everyday, those that I can get my hands on in print format which is still preferred, but most on-line. Saturdays, however, are my favourite newspaper time. I can read more relaxed without feeling obliged to get to work. Besides Saturday newspaper editions are typically more meaty than others with a range of stories covering topics that I would ordinarily not pay much attention to but, as I page through the entire edition, catch my eye and broaden my horizons (even if that is only to sometimes conclude that I will never bother reading about a particular topic or author again.)

This morning I spent about 90 minutes paging through the National Post which was on my porch when I got up. I really enjoyed Conrad Black's piece from prison on the challenges and rewards of teaching fellow inmates literacy. I have followed the Black case quite carefully and while not convinced entirely of his innocence, hardly believe that his sentence represents justice. This piece reveals some his human and personal side in the midst of his challenging situation, while telling some truly "feel good" and even hopeful stories, from the midst of ugliness.

Charles Lewis has a piece on the Prosperity Gospel, prompted by some British bankers trying to justify their salaries on the basis of Scripture. An interesting range of views are covered, although the piece suffers a bit from failing to make distinctions between capitalism as a system of wealth creation, and the responsible distribution of that wealth.

David Frum does an interesting take on Sarah Palin's upcoming book, quite rightly concluding that she is turning herself more into a Madonna than an Evita. The data provided on our uniquely Canadian way relating to the H1N1 crisis was informative background while summaries of reports by the BMO Retirement Group and CD Howe Institute - both studies which I read in their entirety yesterday as this is an area I am presently doing significant research in -- were accurate summaries although lacking in analysis. On the other hand, I suppose since they appeared in the news rather than the editorial pages that was a good thing.

I got some interesting background on the upcoming football games this weekend, views on what the NHL should do about headshots, a summary of Karen Armstrongs new book regarding "The Case For God" and even some practical financial advice relevant to my situation and a recommendation on which wines provide the greatest value for money. For the loonie or so it cost me (too lazy to look it up but we are subscribers - as I recall the newstand price for a Saturday edition is a toonie) I had 90 minutes of enjoyable company and leave it feeling somewhat enlightened, entertained, and current (although truthfully, I no longer count on the newspaper for that - it is quite rare to read anything significant in the newspaper that the internet had not already informed me of.) We no longer have a wood burning fireplace, or else it would now have great use as a firestarter. We don't need it for a bird cage either so the downside is now I have a thick bundle of newsprint to carry to the recycling box. I do so cheerfully, recognizing the value that good edition of a newspaper does bring to life.